erectile dysfunction

Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you continually struggle with ED, the problem may be more complicated than just low T. ED can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease down the road.

What are the causes of ED?

Various physical and psychological factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:

Metabolic Syndrome, a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol

Prolonged bicycling, which can compress nerves and affect blood flow to the penis, may lead to temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction

How can I prevent ED?

The best prevention is to make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health conditions. For example:

Quit Smoking

Lose excess pounds

Increase daily physical activity

Take steps to reduce stress

Control you blood pressure and cholesterol

Get treatment for alcohol or drug problems

Work through relationship issues

Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns

See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests

If you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor, even if you’re embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.

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